Workers at the Cami Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario are preparing for a dramatic confrontation with General Motors Canada, threatening to seize control of the facility if the automaker attempts to remove machinery from the site.
Union Draws Line in the Sand
More than 1,100 laid-off Unifor Local 88 members plan to occupy the plant and physically prevent any equipment removal, according to union chairperson Mike Van Boekel. The union leader described the potential action as "the only leverage we have" in the ongoing dispute following GM's decision to cease production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van.
"We will occupy the plant until there is a way forward," Van Boekel stated emphatically. "We want to team up with the federal government and GM to get something for the plant."
Legal Battle Looms
The union's threatened occupation could force GM Canada to seek legal action to remove workers from the property, setting the stage for a protracted court battle. Van Boekel confirmed the union is prepared to fight the automaker in court if necessary.
The union's position was clearly outlined in a bulletin posted on their website, which read: "We have made our position with the company crystal clear: nothing comes in and nothing goes out. If they try to remove even one single thing from the plant, we are ready to take over."
Van Boekel expressed concern that allowing GM to remove machinery could lead to the plant being permanently mothballed rather than repurposed for new production.
Political Pressure Mounts
The situation has drawn attention from multiple levels of government. On Tuesday, Van Boekel met with Canada's Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli, and Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie to discuss the crisis.
"It was a good meeting," Van Boekel reported. "She told GM to come back with a commitment to the plant. She said talks are continuing."
The political involvement follows GM's announcement last month that it was pausing production of the electric cargo van assembled at the Ingersoll facility, citing poor sales as the reason for ending BrightDrop production.
Oxford MP Arpan Khanna has also entered the fray, sharing a letter on social media addressed to Minister Joly requesting an update on what he called the "crisis affecting workers at the Cami assembly plant in Ingersoll."
The union remains steadfast in its position, with Van Boekel declaring: "We are not kidding. We are fighting to ensure CAMI stays open... we will do whatever it takes to protect our jobs, our members, and the future of this plant."
GM Canada could not be reached for comment on Wednesday regarding the union's threats or the ongoing situation at the Cami plant.
